Frank Lampard has revealed that James Garner is in contention to make his Everton debut against West Ham.
The Blues completed the signing of the midfielder on transfer deadline day in a deal that could reach up to £15million. Garner became Everton’s eighth signing of the summer following his move to Goodison Park.
However, Garner was omitted from the Everton squad that drew 0-0 with Liverpool last time out. But speaking ahead of the game with the Hammers on Sunday, Lampard explained the midfielder’s omission was due to lack of fitness, but he is now available for selection.
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He said: “James is looking good. He’s trained really well. I’m a big fan of his as a player. I’m really pleased I’ve been able to bring him to the club.
“I like his attributes as a midfield player and I’ve been really happy to meet him as a lad. He’s now fit for selection and he gives us another option in midfield and a different type of option, with his qualities.”
Sunday’s game at Goodison is Everton’s last before the international break, with both Conor Coady and Nathan Patterson receiving call-ups for England and Scotland respectively earlier this week.
“Conor’s been outstanding for us,” Lampard said when asked about Coady. “He’s settled into the group brilliantly. He’s a proper professional and affects others around him.
“He’s also performed really well on the pitch. People associate him with a back five, but we’ve played a back four in past few games and him and James [Tarkowski] have been great in a pairing. It’s a pleasure to work with him.”
Before he added on Patterson, saying: “I’ve been really impressed with Nathan. His start to the season has been great. He needs to continue going in the same way. I think there is a lot more to come because he is such a young and developing player.
“I just want to help him get better and get more assists – he’s very good at joining in going forward. Defensively, I’ve been very pleased with his discipline and one-v-one defending against some top-class attackers. We’ll keep working with him but I’m very happy.”
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